Michelle Does Miami

Elegant and eloquent, First Lady Michelle Obama is the quintessential American woman. Although her husband has assumed the position of the most publicized and scrutinized office in the world, she has maintained a sense of calm and poise that is seemingly effortless; seemingly being the operative word.

On Tuesday, Michelle exuded these qualities, appearing at two schools in the Sunshine State. The First Lady spoke in Miami at 2pm, then flew to Orlando to speak at the University of Central Florida at 5pm. We were able to attend the event at Barbara Goleman High School in Miami Lakes; and boy did she nail it!

After being introduced by a local small business owner, Michelle confidently trotted on to the stage in a sleeveless, hunter green dress. As she made her way behind the podium, the pumped up crowd chanted “4 MORE YEARS, 4 MORE YEARS”; referring to her Barack’s reelection bid, of course. Although she only spoke for about 30 minutes, the effect was undeniable. She covered a wide range of issues; not necessarily in great detail, as that is her husband’s responsibility. Achieving the “American Dream” was the central theme of the First Lady’s speech.

While making the case for President Obama, she touted several policy accomplishments, including the Affordable Care Act. “We believe that, in America, folks shouldn’t go bankrupt because someone gets sick.”, said Michelle.

She also spoke about the economy, stating that “We’ve actually been gaining private sector jobs; a total of more than 4 million new jobs in just the last couple of years”. Michelle added, “Folks should understand that, while we have a long way to rebuild our economy, today millions of people are collecting a paycheck again”.

She also mentioned the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, stopping the increase of student loan interest rates, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and the nomination and confirmation of Justices Elena Kagan and Sonya Sotomayor.

Michelle managed to do all of this without throwing any political or ideological punches at the opposing campaign. The words “Romney”, “Republican” and “Taxes” were NEVER mentioned; a real feat for any politician or advocate. Of course, one COULD say that this strategy is the President’s job to execute, as well.

There is no doubt that, other than the man himself, Michelle Obama will be the most valuable asset for the Obama campaign moving forward. She doesn’t just speak on behalf of her husband, she speaks directly from what she has experienced; as a child who had a humble upbringing, a student who was the first in her family to attend college, and now the First Lady of the United States.

As Michelle made her way across the rope line, a loud chant could be heard from across the gymnasium; “2016, 2016….”